The Delta variant has added another layer of increasing complexity when it comes to everyday life. When it comes to travel, it feels like all of the rules and regulations we learned to abide by are constantly being rewritten and updated – it’s a dizzying web of restrictions to keep track of. With that in mind, we’re keeping it simple for September’s edition of “Travel Deals” because travel should be fun, not stressful.

It doesn’t get much easier than hopping in a car and driving to a getaway that’s less than a 4-hour drive away. That’s why we’ve rounded up the 12 best Airbnbs in North Carolina that still have availability this month. Oh, and they’re all highly rated and under $250 a night.

Checkout our “Best of the Mountains” picks to jumpstart your fall leaf peeping or dig into “Beach, Please!” for a final summer hurrah by the Carolina coast.

All of the properties you’ll find below were carefully handpicked for their decor, rave guest reviews, location, and amenities. The properties are organized from least expensive per night to most within their respective category (i.e. mountains versus beach). Enjoy!

Best of the Mountains

1| Stylish Mountain Escape for Two

Location: Hayesville, North Carolina

Accommodation: Renovated above garage apartment in a standalone home for 2 guests (1 bedroom, 1 bed, and 1.5 bathrooms)

Price Per Night: $179/night

Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)

Host Status: Superhost

What We Love: The brand new spa bathroom with waterfall shower.

2| Magical Mountain Cottage with Backyard Stream

Location: Black Mountain, North Carolina

Accommodation: Standalone home for 6 guests (3 bedrooms, 6 beds, and 1.5 bathrooms)

Price Per Night: $199/night

Rating: 5.0 (46 reviews)

Host Status: Superhost

What We Love: The property’s hidden trail that leads you down to the tranquil stream and fire pit.

3| Lazy Mountain Lodge

Location: Boone, North Carolina

Accommodation: Bottom floor in a standalone home for 4 guests (2 bedrooms, 2 beds, and 2 bathrooms)

Price Per Night: $215/night

Rating: 4.99 (97 reviews)

Host Status: Superhost

What We Love: Fresh decor and mountain seclusion.

4| Reinhardt Rooms (No. 1 & No. 2)

Location: Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Accommodation: Apartments located in the historic Parkway Hotel building in downtown Blowing Rock. Each unit accommodates 4 guests (1 bedroom, 2 beds, and 1 bathroom)

Price Per Night: $225/night

Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)

Host Status: N/A

What We Love: Location in the heart of historic Blowing Rock plus the newly renovated and decorated interiors by acclaimed designer Molly Northern. Book both No. 1 and No. 2 if you’re traveling with a party larger than four!

5| Cozy Cabin

Location: Beech Mountain, North Carolina

Accommodation: Standalone home for 8 guests (2 bedrooms, 4 beds, and 2 bathrooms)

Price Per Night: $227/night

Rating: 4.94 (31 reviews)

Host Status: Superhost

What We Love: Your furry friends are welcome here!

6| Go on a Wine Tour from This Side of Paris in Boone

Location: Boone, North Carolina

Accommodation: Standalone home for 4 guests (2 bedrooms, 3 beds, and 1 bathroom)

Price Per Night: $250/night

Rating: 4.98 (127 reviews)

Host Status: Superhost, Airbnb Plus

What We Love: The decor – it oozes chic Parisian cottage.

Beach, Please!

1| Newly Renovated Home! 5min from Airport & Downtown

Location: Wilmington, North Carolina

Accommodation: Standalone home for 5 guests (2 bedrooms, 2 beds, and 2 bathrooms)

Price Per Night: $149/night

Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)

Host Status: N/A

What We Love: Office setup makes this an easy spot to enjoy the nearby beaches while working remotely.

2| Salty Sweet Retreat – Waterfront Condo

Location: New Bern, North Carolina

Accommodation: Third floor condo for 4 guests (2 bedrooms, 3 beds, and 2 bathrooms)

Price Per Night: $166/night

Rating: 5.0 (13 reviews)

Host Status: Superhost

What We Love: Aside from the beautiful water views, we love their amenities like access to the docks, rec center, and fitness trails.

3| Perry Cottage in Historic Carolina Place

Location: Wilmington, North Carolina

Accommodation: Standalone home for 4 guests (2 bedrooms, 2 beds, and 2 bathrooms)

Price Per Night: $180/night

Rating: 4.97 (29 reviews)

Host Status: Superhost

What We Love: Historic bungalow with screened in porch is charming, close to beaches, and nearby Wallace Park.

4| The Monroe Bungalow – Your Downtown Retreat

Location: Wilmington, North Carolina

Accommodation: Standalone home for 6 guests (3 bedrooms, 3 beds, and 1 bathroom)

Price Per Night: $224/night

Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)

Host Status: N/A

What We Love: Thoughtful touches throughout like a work station, record player, fire pit, and corn hole.

5| Modern Loft in the Heart of South Front District

Location: Wilmington, North Carolina

Accommodation: Modern townhome for 4 guests (2 bedrooms, 2 beds, and 2.5 bathrooms)

Price Per Night: $235/night

Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)

Host Status: Superhost

What We Love: The details – balcony, covered private patio, dual monitor workstation, and walking distance to fun restaurants.

6| The Midtown Oasis at Winston

Location: Wilmington, North Carolina

Accommodation: Standalone home for 6 guests (3 bedrooms, 4 beds, and 2 bathrooms)

Price Per Night: $237/night

Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)

Host Status: N/A

What We Love: Great backyard with fire pit, hammock, and outdoor shower.

We’ll be back soon with more deals to fuel your travel. Until then, follow us @adventuredesigned for more travel tips and inspiration.